Capello: I made no deal with clubs

10 February 2011 04:30

Fabio Capello has insisted no deals were struck with England's Champions League contenders about how he was going to handle their players in Denmark this week.

The England manager made his scheduled six substitutions in Wednesday night's 2-1 win at the Parken Stadium. It did look as though Capello had half an eye on forthcoming Champions League ties as Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere all gave way at half-time, but the Italian insists the decisions were his alone.

"I hadn't agreed with the clubs who to take off," he stressed. "I decided on Tuesday I would make six substitutions and that is what I did. The clubs are happy with this and no-one got injured. The result was good as well, so everything has gone right for us."

Wilshere's performance was satisfactory, even if he was put in the shadow somewhat by the first-half display of fellow teenager Christian Eriksen.

The Arsenal youngster was part of a midfield that sat too close to England's defence in the opening period, inviting the pressure Ajax's Eriksen was only too willing to apply. But it was a valuable lesson for the 19-year-old, who is now looking ahead to an even more demanding tussle with Barcelona.

"Wilshere played very well," said Capello. "He played with confidence and made a lot of good passes. He also won the ball back for us a lot.

"The first-half was more difficult for us than the second but it is not easy for a young player like him to play at this level."

The performance of Young was the most pleasing aspect of a lacklustre second period.

"Ashley Young played in the same position he plays for Aston Villa," said Capello. "It means he is free to move around the pitch, to move the ball and go forward."